Preparing for Your Delivery
You found the shed that’s right for you and now it’s time to have it delivered. At Backyard Storage, we have one simple goal: to provide you with a smooth delivery process so you can begin enjoying your shed right away.
We offer FREE standard delivery on most storage buildings* up to 50 miles. We also provide FREE site leveling up to 8 in. for buildings up to 16 ft., with concrete blocks supplied by the customer. All deliveries, including leveling, should take no longer than 45 minutes.
*Some buildings may incur additional fees depending on distance from sales lot.
The Basics
The following checklist items should be taken care of in advance of your shed arriving for installation (each is described in more detail below).
- Check local regulations and restrictions.
- Choose your shed site.
- Clear the path to your shed site.
1. Check Local Regulations and Restrictions
Prior to purchasing a shed, you should check with your local government's building code enforcement office. In addition to supplying the permit for a fee (varies with municipality), building-code officials will also advise on any “setback” requirements, which will determine where the shed can be placed in relation to your property lines.
Additionally, if you live in a community governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), then there may be any number of restrictions or requirements you must abide by depending on your location, how your property is classified (i.e. residential, farm, etc.), and whether a shed is designated as a “permanent” or “temporary” structure based on the size of the building or how it is constructed. Residents of subdivisions also should check any regulations concerning detached buildings.
2. Choose Your Shed Site
The ideal site for your shed is flat with a dry, level area free of stumps, rocks, and other obstacles. Whether you choose to build your own shed foundation or opt for simple, inexpensive concrete blocks, there are many ways to ensure that your shed site is both flat and level. Leveling of the site up to 8 in. is included FREE in our standard delivery terms.
If leveling over 8 in. is required, you must discuss site conditions and potential charges with BackYard Storage and delivery personnel prior to delivery. For buildings 16 ft. in length, there is a $150 charge for up to 8 in. of leveling. Leveling services are available up to 12 in., but sheds will not be leveled over 8 in. without written approval prior to delivery. Additional charges may apply with payment due upon delivery.
Certain areas may require the tie down of the storage building as determined by local zoning laws. Delivery personnel will tie down the shed for a cost of $255 due at the time of delivery.
Most sheds are designed to be placed directly on the ground, but a good foundation can protect the shed and extend its life. The following are several common foundations you can install prior to your building being delivered. While a flat, level site is required, the following options are suggestions, not requirements:
Gravel Pad
- Prepare your gravel bed using 2-B or other porous stone at least 4 in. deep.
- Lay out the base to be 2 ft. larger in length and width than the shed; for example: a 10×12 shed should sit on a 12×14 gravel base. This will help with water runoff from rain and weeds.
- As a guideline for your base, estimate 3 tons of gravel per 100 square feet of shed; for example: a 12×16 shed = 192 sq. ft. x 3 tons = 5.76 tons of gravel.
- Use a straight edge or line level to ensure that the base is flat, and not racked or twisted and compacted.
Concrete Slab
- Whether professionally installed or DIY, your concrete slab should be the same width as the storage shed and have natural drainage and no standing water.
- In certain markets that experience frequent hurricanes, ½ in. x 8 in. J-type anchor bolts should be set in the concrete around the entire perimeter of the slab (except for the doorway), projecting approximately 2½ in. above the slab grade and approximately 1½ in. in from the edge.
- The finished slab surface should be 4 in. above grade at a minimum.
Concrete Block Foundation
- Concrete block foundations are typically built using 8x16-inch solid concrete blocks at a minimum height of 4 inches above ground level.
- Each block is arranged in evenly spaced rows by placing one in each corner and at each break.
- These concrete leveling blocks will support the floor (see chart for number of blocks required based on shed size).
| Shed Size | # of Blocks |
|---|---|
| 8x8 | 8 |
| 8x10 | 10 |
| 8x12 | 12 |
| 10x10 | 14 |
| 10x12 | 12 |
| 10x16 | 16 |
| 12x12 | 12 |
| 12x16 | 18 |
| 12x20 | 22 |
| 12x24 | 26 |
| 16x20* | 46 |
Lastly, it’s important to consider the frost line of your region when choosing your shed site. If you don’t, then your shed may move due to seasonal freezing and thawing. This means that the foundation must be built to the frost line. Contact your local building inspector to determine the frost line for your area.
3. Clear the Path to Your Shed Site
Your shed will be delivered by a semi-trailer driving or backing into place. Make sure the driver has ample space to deliver your shed. If necessary, talk with your neighbors and get their permission to access their property to facilitate delivery of your building.
- Access to the site must be clear and allow for a delivery truck and 26 ft. trailer.
- Standard height clearance = 13 ft., 6 in. from tree limbs, low-hanging branches, and wires
- Standard width clearance = 12–14 ft.
- Ensure underground clearance of septic tanks, ditches, pipes, etc. as well.
- If you have a fence, then remove enough sections to get the buildings through.
- If you have a gate, then make sure the gate is at least a foot wider than the building.
- Know where any underground dog fences are (which can break when the trailer drives over it if the wires are on the surface or not buried deep enough).
Common Delivery Questions
Where should I place my shed?
What site preparation do I need to make before delivery?
What kind of gravel should I use for my pad?
How long will delivery and installation take?
What kind of vehicle is used to deliver the shed?
How wide are the truck and trailer?
Do I need to be home for delivery?
If a fence is blocking access to the shed site, will the delivery person remove it for me?
If trees or branches are blocking access to the shed site, will the delivery person cut or remove them for me?
Will BackYard Storage move my building for me if I need to relocate?
Where should I place my shed?
A number of factors can help determine the best site to place your shed:
- Accessibility. Consider where your shed will serve you best. For example, if you use the shed to store your garden tools, you probably want it centrally located where you can directly access a hose and your garden. No sense in placing your shed on the other side of your property, far away from your garden.
- Aesthetics. Some people want their building to blend into the surroundings, and be out of the way and unnoticed. Others want the building to be seen as a prominent element of the outdoor décor.
- Setbacks. The distance between your structure and your property line is called the “setback.” Avoid tension with your neighbor or the local building inspector by leaving enough room between your shed and your neighbor's yard. If there is any question, check with your local county/city offices (or HOA, if applicable).
- Longevity. Your shed will last longer if it is in a spot that is not perpetually wet. Low tree branches can scrape the sides or roof in winds, creating significant wear on the shed's paint or roof. If you have a sprinkler system, remember that regular watering will not have the same effect on your shed as it does on your grass.
- Level Ground. Many creative steps can be taken to set a building on a slope, but the more level the ground is, the easier and cheaper it is to set your shed.
What site preparation do I need to make before delivery?
Ensure that the ground is flat and level, or install a level foundation prior to delivery if more than 8 in. of leveling is required. Ensure adequate clearance around your site to allow for a full-size pickup truck and trailer to delivery your shed.
What kind of gravel should I use for my pad?
When building a gravel pad for your building, it is important to choose a grade of gravel that will not slip and slide. For example, loose pea gravel is not the best choice as it can give way under the weight of a shed. Most people choose 21A gravel or crusher run for their pad. Both gravels pack well and hold nicely to keep a flat, level surface, while also providing water drainage.
How long will delivery and installation take?
Standard delivery and installation should take no longer than 45 minutes. The more level the area is, and the fewer obstacles such as fences and trees there are, the faster the installation will go. With more obstacles and an uneven site, the installation will likely take longer to complete. If delivery takes longer than 45 minutes, a charge of $50.00 per hour will be due at the time of delivery. This does not include time for tie downs.
What kind of vehicle is used to deliver the shed?
BackYard Storage sheds are delivered with a commercial-grade pickup truck pulling a flatbed shed trailer, with the building loaded on this trailer.
How wide are the truck and trailer?
The truck and trailer are approximately 8 ft., 6 in. wide.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
We prefer that you are home when your shed is delivered, mainly to show the delivery crew exactly where you want it installed. If you are unable to be there personally, we request that an adult you trust (such as a spouse, grown child, or neighbor), and who knows where you want the building set, be there at the time of delivery.
If a fence is blocking access to the shed site, will the delivery person remove it for me?
You are responsible for preparing your site, so we ask that you handle fence removal.
If trees or branches are blocking access to the shed site, will the delivery person cut or remove them for me?
Again, each customer is responsible for site preparation, which includes trimming and/or removing trees that may interfere with delivery of the shed. If you are not sure if you have obstacles on your property, consult your salesperson. They may choose to do a site visit to give you an idea of what might need to be done.
Will BackYard Storage move my building for me if I need to relocate?
No problem! Just give us a call to make arrangements. The standard fee is $200.00 within 25 miles, and $4.00 per mile for every mile over 25 miles. This is a convenience we only offer to our customers!
Still Have Questions?
Contact your BackYard Storage sales representative today. We’ve been in the storage shed business for 15 years and we’re here to answer any of your questions to ensure a smooth delivery of your new shed.
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